Nonprofit Organizations Supported 2.91M Families with Free College Access and Success Programs

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Finance Council (EFC), the national trade association representing nonprofit and state-based higher education finance organizations, announces the release of its 2026 National Impact Report.

The 2026 National Impact Report highlights how EFC's nonprofit and state-based member organizations supported students and families during Award Year 2025–2026 amid significant changes in higher education and federal student aid. As families navigated new student aid policies, affordability concerns, and an increasingly complex postsecondary landscape, EFC members provided information, guidance, and financial education and resources to help students access affordable education and training opportunities.

The report also spotlights new and expanded initiatives developed by EFC members to meet evolving student and family needs and support students throughout their educational journeys.

Over the past year, EFC members have:

• Supported 2.91 million families with free college access and success programs;
• Managed $26 billion in education savings accounts;
• Provided $1.31 billion in grants and scholarships;
• Made nearly 76,000 affordable education loans to undergraduate students with an average lowest fixed APR of 3.82%; and
• Serviced 10.74 million Federal Direct, private, and/or FFEL loan borrowers.

"EFC members continue to respond to a changing higher education landscape with innovation and a longstanding commitment to affordability and service," said EFC President Gail daMota. "EFC is proud to support their work to expand educational opportunities and help students and families make informed financial decisions."

Background: EFC is the national trade association representing nonprofit and state-based higher education finance organizations that are dedicated to empowering student success by improving college access and affordability in their states and nationwide. Learn more about EFC by visiting efc.org. 

CONTACT: Gail daMota 
(202) 552-8505 
[email protected]

SOURCE Education Finance Council